Bob Jackson, aka Yehaa Bob, packed audiences into Walt Disney World’s River Roost Lounge at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside for over two decades. On Sept. 29, Jackson announced via Facebook that Disney pulled the plug on his long-time Yehaa Bob act.
And that’s how it ends, not with a bang but with a whimper. I’ve just learned my act will not be returning to Disney. I made so many friends over the last 23 years, it was a great time, we had a lot of laughs together.”
The news is similar to the recent notice of the end of the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, and, presumably, is part of the mass layoffs in the Disney Parks division announced yesterday by chairman Josh D’Amaro. The Disney layoffs are due to the impact of COVID-19 on park operations, and D’Amaro said will affect 28,000 employees.
Yehaa Bob Jackson played a mix of boogie-woogie piano during his comedic sing-along shows at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. Even set in a full bar, Yehaa Bob’s show was always family-friendly, and could get kids and adults alike singing, dancing, standing on chairs, and pounding on their chests to the familiar Disney song book.
In addition to playing at Walt Disney World, Bob Jackson produced a series of children’s recordings and entertained at local schools and libraries. On Sundays Jackson performed at the Ocoee Christian Church in Ocoee, Fla. He also donated his time to perform monthly for wish families at Give Kids The World Village.
In 2013, Yehaa Bob Jackson was awarded the Walt Disney Legacy Award. This recognition program inside the Walt Disney company celebrates Walt Disney’s heritage by honoring Disney Cast Members who uphold his tradition of excellence. The Walt Disney Legacy Award recognizes cast members, crew members and imagineers who give the very best of themselves to guests, co-workers, and the company.
Bob Jackson lives in Orlando, Fla. with his wife Janis of 40 years. They have two children, Max, and Emilee. Jackson would say during his Yehaa Bob performances, “we ain’t scared,” and “no one has more fun than us.” Hopefully the Jackson family and all the Disney cast members can maintain that positive attitude during these extremely difficult times.
You can read more about Yehaa Bob in the Dec. 2008/Jan. 2009 issue of Attractions Magazine. Let us know if your family has any stories about Jackson’s performances at Walt Disney World below.
So many times we have enjoyed that zany guy!!! I loved that he was always family friendly and got everyone up and moving! He will be greatly missed and it was a poor decision to let him go. 💕💕💕ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ #weloveyoubob
What happy memories!! WE LOVE YOU, BOB!!! Thank you for your music and laughter, and please extend our love to your family. We hope to see you again, soon, somewhere, somehow!!!
Please listen before it’s too late for Disney…. #chuckchapek
Disney favorites will continue to disappear. Soon it will be Universal, nice rides, no personality!
Bob, my family utterly loved you. Can’t count the times we have been there. Friends, if you never got to see Bob at Disney, you missed truly wonderful family fun entertainment! Best of luck 🙂
My husband and my sister and brother n law and friends have stayed at that resort and had so much fun with his show and also got involved n the show he will b sadly missed thank u so much for all the fun times god bless him and his family
It is unbelievable that Disney cannot see the value of keeping Bob. He is the reason that many of us make the Port our home away from home. Our kids have grown up listening to his unique stylings for the last 20 years. His absence will create a void that cannot be filled. We hope that someone at Disney will realize that they have made a mistake and find a way to bring him back.
I completely agree with you that disney made a HUGE mistake letting Bob go! He was the reason why our family stayed at the Port for 15 years. His extreme talent as a pianist and a fantastic showman was and is unsurpassed! Disney u need to WAKE UP and fix this. Walt would not be happy. Bob made all ages sooo happy and would engage the audience like nothing I have ever seen before. Please bring him back if he is willing! We all love u bob and take care.
Yehaa Bob was absolutely the best fun family show on Disney property and it was free. It is sad to see Disney slowly disappear. God bless you Bob, as one huge door closes may many more open for you…you are the best of the best. My heart is sad.
Thank you Bob for many wonderful vacation memories. Disney was so lucky to have you and Walt Disney World vacations will never be the same now. You will be sincerely missed.
Have loved you for over 20 years- you are truly part of the magic of Disney 💕